Laguna Niguel residents have an abundance of beauty surrounding us. Wonderful neighborhoods, schools, shops and exquisite parks dot the pristine palm tree-lined streets we travel, while hurriedly making our way through busy days.

When I stopped one day to speak with "The Bird Man of Laguna Niguel" on my way into the grocery, I realized I'd just happened upon a beautiful hidden treasure.

I met Bobby Turley and his incredible family at a picnic table while they were having lunch. Ruby Red and Harley are gorgeous 9-year-old macaws, and Gracie is a 16-year-old snow-white cockatoo. All absolutely love attention.

Turley and his family play to the crowd like thespians on the stage, whose audience on this day was comprised of curious children on their way to karate class.

Turley, who grew up in Santa Ana, attended college in Palm Desert before playing professional basketball in Argentina. Injury forced him into early retirement.

One of his doctors gifted him a macaw named Banana. After Banana's death, Turley's passion for birds exploded. People from all over wanted him to adopt their birds, including Gracie, who came from a lady in Oklahoma.

"I have to tell you, I didn't think I needed another bird but, how could I say no?" Turley said. I understood the answer when Gracie snuggled up to my chin and looked into my eyes.

Having overcome disappointment and tragedy, Turley has discovered his true purpose in life: sharing the beauty of his birds.

"If I leave this earth tomorrow, I know in my heart that I taught a child, or gave them knowledge about parrots, and I've done my job," he said.

Turley's dream is to open a place where families can visit and learn about exotic birds.

You can find the Turley family outside Albertsons on Golden Lantern or in the Dana Point Harbor. Take a moment to experience this hidden gem.

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